Deal Finalize: Mavericks Sign Auburn SEC Standout Miles Kelly to Two-Way Deal
In a savvy move to bolster their backcourt depth, the Dallas Mavericks have officially inked a two-way contract with Auburn guard Miles Kelly, a standout from the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The agreement, confirmed mere moments after the 2025 NBA Draft, reflects Dallas’s strategy to build a strong, versatile roster without expending valuable draft capital
Who is Miles Kelly?
- Background & Journey: The Georgia native initially played three seasons with Georgia Tech before transferring to Auburn for his final year. In that senior campaign, Kelly posted averages of 11.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game, while lighting it up from deep on 37.8% from three-point range over six attempts per game
- SEC Performance: Competing in one of college basketball’s premier conferences, Kelly proved to be a consistent volume shooter and floor-spacer—essential traits in today’s NBA. While his efficiency dipped slightly in his third year, he rebounded with strong production and team leadership at Auburn.
Why Kelly Makes Sense for the Mavs
- Floor Spacing Expertise
Kelly’s 3-and-D potential addresses a key need for Dallas, creating more room for elite talent like Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and freshman phenom Cooper Flagg to operate without constant defensive pressure. - Roster Flexibility at Low Cost
Two-way contracts allow teams to develop young talent without consuming full roster spots or cap space. Dallas effectively maximizes depth without sacrificing financial flexibility. - Valuable Development Piece
Despite lacking a draft pick outside the No. 1 selection, the Mavs still found a hidden gem. Kelly’s blend of shooting and athleticism gives Dallas another asset to cultivate through Summer League and G-League play.
Context: Mavericks’ Draft & Draft Aftermath
- One-and-Done Focus: Dallas used its top draft pick to select Duke phenom Cooper Flagg at No. 1. While Flagg headlines the franchise’s future, adding established SEC talent like Kelly offers short-term complementary value (profootballnetwork.com).
- Handling the Lottery Windfall: The Mavs caught lightning by winning the draft lottery, securing Flagg. With limited other draft picks, the signing of Kelly emerged as a creative way to continue replenishing the bench
- Overhaul Mode: Dallas is entering a new era after trading away Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis and re-signing Kyrie Irving to a three-year, $119 million deal—even while Irving rehabs from an ACL tear (the-sun.com). Kelly adds supplementary firepower to support that emerging core.
Kelly’s Fit in the Mavericks’ System
Under head coach Jason Kidd, the Mavericks emphasize ball movement, three-point shooting, and smart defensive rotations—haloed by Davis’s aggression inside and Irving’s scoring prowess. Kelly’s deep range and ability to switch defensively could encourage minutes in small-ball lineups where shooters are at a premium.
- Offensive Floor Spacing: Dallas ranked in the upper half of the league in three-point percentage. Kelly can contribute as a spot-up shooter and catch-and-shoot threat off pick-and-roll action.
- Defensive Versatility: His athleticism allows for perimeter switching, a quality Kidd typically values.
Player Profile: What Scouts Say
While not a household name, Kelly fits a rising archetype in today’s NBA:
- “Catch and shoot on the wing.”
- 24–27 minutes per game in college, thus already seasoned.
- Solid size at 6’4″, wing athleticism, and deep conference résumé from the SEC.
He profiles as a likely two-way G-League starter in Year 1, with the potential to earn a standard NBA contract later.
Mavericks’ Offseason Recap (So Far)
- Big Moves:
- Locked in Kyrie Irving with a new three-year, $119M deal (with a 2027–28 player option
- Extended Daniel Gafford for three years, up to $60M
- Drafted Cooper Flagg at No. 1 ($62M rookie contract
- Supporting Moves:
- Signed Spencer Dinwiddie and added sharpshooter Klay Thompson
- Now layered in Miles Kelly as an SEC shooting specialist
Dallas clearly wants to balance star power with role players capable of spacing, defending, and contributing right away.
Outlook: What Kelly Must Prove
- Adaptation to NBA Pace: Transitioning from SEC to NBA defense and speed is challenging—but Kelly’s size and shooting give him a solid foundation.
- Consistency: To earn playing time, he’ll need to hit threes at a high rate and display sound decision-making on both ends.
- Seizing Opportunity: Injuries or lineup shifts could open minutes; performance in Summer League and G-League camp will be essential.
Final Take
The signing of Miles Kelly highlights Dallas’s multi-pronged approach to roster construction:
- Star Anchors: Irving, Davis, Flagg
- Frontcourt Depth: Gafford, Davis, Lively
- Backcourt & Wing Spacing: Thompson, Dinwiddie, Kelly
Kelly himself encapsulates the quiet but strategic offseason Dallas is stitching together—one that smartly blends long-term bets with short-term contributors. As NBA seasons increasingly hinge on three-point shooting and positional versatility, investing in sharpshooters like Kelly may pay off faster than most anticipate.
What to Watch
- Summer League Performance – Will Kelly carry his college shooting prowess to pro settings?
- Two-Way Minutes – How often and effectively will he play in G-League vs. NBA?
- Role Expansion – Can he evolve past shooting to guard and define a broader two-way role?
At just 22, Kelly enters an organization in flux—one that pitched its tent around incumbents like Irving and Davis, and rookie Flagg. If he adapts quickly, he could emerge as a valuable floor spacer and athletic wing—a role that, in today’s NBA, can turn two-way contracts into full-time opportunities.
Dallas’ front office, led by GM Nico Harrison, has made bold moves through trades, extensions, and the draft. Now, adding SEC standouts like Kelly illustrates a nuanced and flexible strategy: build around big names, but never overlook the role players who help make championship contenders great.
Miles Kelly’s journey in the NBA begins now—keep an eye on that Auburn sharpshooter as Mavericks training camp approaches.
